By Jane Okafor, Abuja
Rather than dissipate energies on self-assessment and refuting widely held public perception of being “rubber stamp” legislature, Senators and House of Representatives lawmakers have been admonished to rather subject themselves before the mirror to be assessed by Nigerians on how far they have fared in the ongoing democracy.
To this end, the promoters of the popular monthly interview discourse, Boiling Point Arena, has extended invitation to the members of the Upper and Lower legislative Chambers to participate actively in a Zoom event slated to hold on Sunday April 13, 2025 on the issue.
The much-publicized Zoom interview will feature an elderstatesman, popular columnist and one-time Chairman/Managing Director, Daily Times of Nigeria, Chief Tola Adeniyi, in a no-hold barred session to be transmitted live on five radio stations across Lagos and Ogun States.
Topic of discourse is: “The Legislature and the Waning Principle of Checks and Balances in Nigeria”.
In a press statement signed by the Convener of Boiling Point Arena, Dr Ayo Arowojolu, the masses of Nigeria recognized the critical relevance of the National Assembly as a checks and balances organ to watchdog the government at the centre and ensure delivery of dividends of democracy to the populace.
Dr Arowojolu was apparently reacting to an interview granted by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu who vowed never to be combative with the Executive Arm of Government in order to demonstrate the independence of the Legislative arm.
Adaramodu had said: “We(the Senate) has done nothing to deserve the tag of being rubber stamp. One thing you must know is that we are not in the Senate with boxing gloves in our hands to go and be fighting the Executive or other arms of government”
But, the statement by the promoters of the discourse read: “As a Group focused on good governance and nation building, the Boiling Point team holds our Distinguished Senators and indeed House of Reps members in very high esteem.
“Our lawmakers cannot assess themselves. They need to know how they are being rated in the eyes of Nigerians. No one is asking them to wear boxing gloves. But let them function independently. We are only helping them through the discourse to have a golden opportunity to know how Nigerians rate them as to whether they represent watchdogs or lapdogs in their governance approach which is highly critical to expectations of the Nigerian populace.
“The Boiling Point Arena series have witnessed 30 monthly editions within the last two and half years during which different aspects of governance and development indices are regularly interrogated with a view to achieving good governance and development of the country”.
Dr Arowojolu further stated: “On this note, may I on behalf of the organizers of the Zoom discourse, with utmost respect, extend invitation to our eminent lawmakers to join the interactive discourse on Sunday and if possible avail themselves the opportunity to further open up on their approach to governance”
Boiling Point Arena had in the past few months featured a One-on-One Live Interview With Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Prof Toyin Falola Interview on Africa’s Future as well as interviews with Prof Farooq Kperogi, Ṣeun Onigbinde, Gen Ishola Williams, Senator Babafemi Ojudu and Mr Jamiu Abiola.
Frontline traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola is expected as the Keynote Speaker to herald the discourse on Sunday at 8pm, over a two-hour duration.
Radio stations broadcasting the programme live are WASH 94.9FM, Sweet 107.1FM, Roots 97.1FM, Ẹrí-Nbe 92.1FM and Women Radio 91.7FM.
